Dr. Cynthia Malo
A few weeks ago, one of my patients and I encountered something that literally shocked us. The dog and I made contact and shocked each other with static electricity.
Increased water, liquid and moisture requirements for pets
This phenomenon is not directly caused by dehydration, but is caused by abnormal charge accumulation. Patients and pets who experience static electricity often find that they are actually dehydrated and have very dry skin, as evidenced by blood tests.
The heat and low humidity of forced air increases the demand for water and foods with added moisture.
While occasional mild dehydration is not life-threatening, chronic dehydration affects all internal organs and tissues in the body in addition to the skin. The kidneys and cardiovascular system are affected by tissue dehydration, leading to decreased cellular oxygenation and premature cell death.
To protect your pet from dehydration and ensure it drinks enough water, be creative with how it eats and drinks. Consider adding a pet fountain that mimics a stream of fresh water. Many cats and dogs prefer this water to stagnant water, so the sound of running water will entice your pet to drink more often.
For pets that don't drink much water, add canned or raw meat, vegetables, and fruit to their food (purée in a blender and mix with meat), or add low-sodium meat broth, kefir, or goat's milk to their food. Add to.
Being outdoors in cold weather also increases water needs for people and pets, as shivering uses more body fluids and energy.
When temperatures are cold, make sure your pet always has plenty of water to drink. After a walk outdoors, warming up your pet's food and slightly warming the bone broth to room temperature will help keep your pet warm and hydrated.
Changes in required calories
Some pets and their owners take fewer walks, spend less time playing outdoors, and become less active during the colder months. If your pet falls into this category, they will need fewer calories. Unfortunately, we tend to take in more calories when we're bored, less active, or doing things like watching TV.
Encourage your pet to follow you around the house as you walk up and down the stairs with food by intentionally standing up and tossing a ball for your pet or holding a food parade.
In addition to reducing calories, feed more lean proteins such as lightly cooked meats and eliminate carbohydrate-rich snacks such as grain-based treats. Dry pet food has more calories than real foods like blueberries, carrots, and green beans. Give your pet some of them instead of grains.
For pets who maintain an active lifestyle even in the winter, increasing calories through fresh protein (meat, fish, eggs – lightly cooked or raw) and healthy fats will help keep them hydrated and keep them healthy. It could be the answer to maintaining a healthy weight.
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils, nut oils, and grass-fed animal fats are great for reducing inflammation, protecting your pet from cancer, and increasing skin hydration. However, be careful when introducing new fat sources to your pet. Use a small amount at first and gradually increase the amount.
If your pet has previously experienced pancreatitis or gastroenteritis, new food ingredients, such as healthy fats, should be introduced gradually.
Add seasonal carbohydrates to your diet during the cold months
Have you ever noticed how much food is readily available naturally during certain seasons?
Until the past 60 to 80 years, a pet's diet reflected what was available seasonally to the people they lived with. For example, fruits were not easily available in the winter, but were abundant in the summer, so they would not have been consumed raw in the winter.
Instead, root vegetables and tubers such as sweet potatoes were cooked and consumed during the winter months. Consider weaning your dog from processed foods and adding homemade meals with cooked meats and sweet potatoes instead of grains, wheat, and legumes (lentils and peas).
Cooked oats are another great warming food to feed your pet in the winter. Canned pumpkin stuffing (no added sugar) is also a great source of fiber for your pet year-round.
Warm up your pet's meals with spices
Warming spices like cinnamon and turmeric are a great and safe way to warm your pet's internal organs. Avoid cold foods such as cucumbers, cold foods, ice cubes, and ice cream. Give food and drinks slightly warm or at room temperature.
Stay warm, dry and active for the health of your pet and yourself.
Dr. Cynthia Malo is a veterinarian at Ellwood Animal Hospital in Ellwood City and Chippewa Animal Hospital in Chippewa Township. She writes a biweekly column about pet care and health issues. If you have a topic you'd like us to cover, please email ellwoodvet@msn.com.
